Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: Young Docs Stumped By Health Care System, Too
Fewer than half of all graduating medical students say they have a good sense of how to navigate health care systems or the economics of practicing medicine, according to a new study.
Analysis: Can What Killed California Health Reform Strike Again?
In 2007, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed covering the state’s uninsured with a plan similar to the one Congress is now considering. By January 2008, his plan was killed by a state Senate committee. While Obama’s prospects remain stronger than Schwarzenegger’s ever were, the current effort is hitting roadblocks reminiscent of the California experience.
Senate Health Overhaul Plan Offers Employers Penalties, Assistance
For employers, the Senate Finance Committee health bill says size matters. Small businesses that don’t offer coverage would get tax credits while the bigger ones could face fines.
Baucus Must Strike A Balance With Three Factions To Pass His Bill
The Finance Committee today thwarted efforts by liberal Democrats to include a government-run health insurance option in major health care legislation, as the Senate appears to be dividing into three important camps: those who are solidly behind Chairman Max Baucus, those reluctantly leaning in his direction and a handful of wild cards who will wield great influence. UPDATED
Employer-Based Insurance Explained
As a part of our “Are You Covered?” series, KHN and NPR examine employer-sponsored health insurance.
Holding Onto Health Insurance That Works
For some Americans, insurance is what it’s supposed to be: coverage when you need it. Dave Koenig, 49, has a job with good benefits. Still, he thinks some aspects of the insurance industry should be changed to protect patients from losing coverage. Employer-Based Insurance Explained | Video Profile
Transcript: Health On The Hill – September 28, 2009
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey discusses recent and upcoming activities on the Hill — part of a weekly series of video reports.
The ‘Underinsurance’ Problem Explained
At least 25 million Americans are underinsured – their health benefits don’t adequately cover their health costs. The major proposals being debated in Congress would require insurers to provide a minimum set of benefits, which would take care of most patients’ needs.
Not Enough Insurance And Swimming In Medical Bills
Between the two of them, Martha Martin and her husband Jim work five part-time jobs, but still can’t afford health insurance. Last year, the Martins spent 45 percent of their $44,500 income on health insurance premiums and medical bills. Part of our series “Are You Covered?” co-produced with NPR.
U.S. Doesn’t Always Trump Other Countries In Quality Of Health Care
A study comparing U.S. treatment outcomes and other indicators among 30 developed nations found “no hard evidence” that American system stands out.
Baucus Bill: A New Round Of Preliminary Estimates, Scoring Implications
The Senate Finance Committee released preliminary estimates of the scoring implications of the modifications to the Chairman’s mark of the America’s Health Future Act, as introduced on Sept. 22.
Health On The Hill: Baucus Asks Finance Committee For Truman-Like ‘Courage’
As the Senate Finance Committee devolved into partisan infighting about health overhaul legislation, chairman Max Baucus quoted Harry Truman’s advice to show some courageous, skillful leadership, and seize the opportunity to change things for the better.
Baucus Bill Doesn’t Bend Cost Curve Enough, Experts Say
Some analysts are praising Sen. Max Baucus’ health overhaul as a good start on a tough task but they worry that key provisions will be weakened during debate.
As a part of our “Are You Covered?” series, KHN and NPR examine how the health overhaul would affect medicare.
Medicare Makes Patients Happy, But Can It Last?
As part of the series, “Are You Covered?” KHN and NPR profile Audrey Bernfield, 71, a two-time breast cancer survivor. When her cancer returned, her Medicare coverage enabled her to choose her own doctors, move closer to her family and get the best treatments for her situation. She says she prefers Medicare over a private insurer. Medicare Coverage Explained | Video Profile
Baucus Offers Modified Version Of Finance Committee Chairman’s Mark
The modifications are designed to make health insurance more affordable for low- and middle-income Americans by increasing the Health Care Affordability Tax Credit and lowering the penalties for people who fail to meet the individual requirement to have health insurance. See related news summaries.
Senate Finance Committee Press Release On Bill Modifications
The Senate Finance Committee released a press release summarizing the major modifications to the Chariman’s Mark.
Sen. Max Baucus’ Opening Statement For Senate Finance Bill
This morning, the Senate Finance Committee released the “Opening Statement of Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.) at Today’s Mark-Up of the America’s Healthy Future Act.”
For Some Families, ‘Cadillac’ Health Insurance Is Priceless
For two families, “gold-plated” health insurance has made a huge difference in the health care they receive. But it’s not always the rich who get these benefits, and they worry about what a possible tax on plans would do to their health coverage.
Transcript: Health On The Hill – September 21, 2009
KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Eric Pianin discuss recent and upcoming activities on the Hill — part of a weekly series of video reports.
